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Nike’s Timeless Classic Gets a Textured, Soccer-Inspired Update

The Swoosh’s first-ever running shoe returns yet again as a casual lifestyle stunner with contemporary, of-the-moment style updates.

Close-up of a white and light blue sneaker heel with suede and leather textures against a blue background.Nike
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By Hayley Helms

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Nike’s long-running Cortez first received the Tiempo-inspired fold-over tongue back in 2024, but with the World Cup in full swing, its new soccer-themed makeover feels more relevant than ever.

The legendary lifestyle sneaker gets a textured refresh, with tactile details that make it a stunner from top to bottom while infusing Nike’s first-ever running shoe with a dash of contemporary whimsy.

Pair of cream and light blue Nike sneakers with woven tongue flaps and yellow accents on the sole.
The latest edition of Nike’s first-ever running shoe is a prize pick for Cortez enthusiasts.
Nike

Soccer, but make it stylish

The Cortez in Sail White/Soft Yellow/Hydrogen Blue isn’t a simple summertime color refresh, although the updated style’s hues do fit in perfectly with warmer weather.

Close-up of a white and light blue Nike sneaker with textured woven tongue and scalloped edges on the swoosh and tongue.
There’s a lot to love about the new Cortez, from the textured, premium materials to the summer-ready color pops.
Nike

The shoe makes use of a Tiempo-inspired fold-over tongue, which is ultra-timely given the current global soccer craze. However, that’s not the only major change to come to the well-known shoe.

Close-up of a light blue suede tongue with scalloped edges on a beige and white sneaker with light blue laces.
A Velcro tab under the tongue keeps everything in place on the go.
Nike
Off-white and light blue Nike sneaker with scalloped edges and a yellow stripe on the sole.
The off-white leather and suede upper is the ideal canvas for the bright, reinforced scallop-trim overlays.
Nike

The soccer cleat-inspired tongue is outfitted in a meticulously crafted, textured crochet knit, which is complemented by the scalloped trim on the reinforced overlays, bringing depth and detail to the low-profile shoe.

The mix of smooth leather and suede in the upper, combined with pops of color on the midsole and laces, offer dimension and retro style, while the premium materials offer comfortable all-day wear.

Pair of white and light blue Nike sneakers with woven velcro straps and black Nike logos on light blue insoles.
The textural, refreshed Cortez is ideally timed as the World Cup continues to dominate headlines.
Nike

This isn’t the first time the Cortez has been given playful, decorative updates, or a fold-over tongue … but it is the first time both have appeared on the same model, providing a double dose of novelty to the legacy silhouette.

Availability and pricing

The latest Cortez is available now on Nike China’s website for ¥799, roughly $117. At the time of writing, there are no confirmed reports that the shoe will make its way stateside.

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

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